Fava Beans
The hero of the traditional breakfast and the master of fullness: fava beans combine plant protein with dense fibre, and their low glycemic index (40) acts as a safety valve that keeps your energy steady for half the day.
Glycemic index
Glycemic load
Calories
Protein
💡 Smart Nutritional Guidance
Consumption advice
The ideal breakfast dish for anyone who wants to control their appetite and stop snacking; eat it with a spoon, with olive oil, cumin and lemon, instead of scooping it up with a whole flatbread.
Best preparation methods
Mash them gently with crushed garlic, lemon juice and a pinch of cumin, which is easier on the gut, and add a spoonful of extra virgin olive oil.
Important Nutritional Note
For people with diabetes or insulin resistance, it is always recommended to consider the total glycemic load (GL) of the meal rather than relying on the glycemic index alone.
Nutrition facts
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per typical portion (150 g) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 110 kcal | 165 kcal |
| Protein | 7.6 g | 11.4 g |
| Carbohydrate | 19 g | 28.5 g |
| Available carbohydrate | 13.6 g | 20.4 g |
| Fat | 0.4 g | 0.6 g |
| Dietary fibre | 5.4 g | 8.1 g |
The typical portion is approximate, for comparison purposes.
Comparison & smarter alternatives
Among the foods in Legumes with a glycemic index (8), it ranks 8 (lowest first).
Lower-GI alternatives:
Frequently asked questions
Are Fava Beans good for weight loss?
It can be included in moderation: it contains 5.4 g of fibre per 100 g, which supports fullness, and a 150 g portion gives 165 kcal.
How do Fava Beans affect blood sugar?
Its glycemic index is 40 (Low), a clinically reviewed estimate rather than a laboratory measurement. A typical 150 g portion has a glycemic load of 8.2 (Low), so the effect of this portion on blood sugar is limited.
What is the nutritional value of a typical portion of Fava Beans?
A typical 150 g portion of Fava Beans provides about 165 kcal, 11.4 g protein, 28.5 g carbohydrate, 0.6 g fat and 8.1 g fibre.
Reviewed by the WiBo Health medical team · Last reviewed 13 October 2026
Disclaimer: This guidance is for nutritional lifestyle orientation and does not constitute a diagnostic medical device under EU Regulation MDR 2017/745.